Benjamin Olivo is right on! Yes, the Commerce/Market east-west streetcar route does have more immediate core development potential than the fringe César Chávez properties in less desirable development areas.

Our tourism industry is a big plus for Commerce/Market Street. Its proximity to most hotels, the Convention Center, Sunset Station, El Mercado, the Alamodome, the River Walk and many other eating and entertaining venues make it the best choice. Commerce and Market streets are both one way with existing bus lanes and passenger stops, making it easier to pass streetcars in a vehicle.

If VIA streetcars are dependent on ridership in the next decade, the Commerce/Market Street route is the only choice together with the Broadway corridor.

The Express-News apparently has a gift for wishful thinking when it comes to the nondiscrimination ordinance.

“Resolved?” The city is as divided as ever — bad feelings remain on both sides, a lot of city money is about to be spent on lawsuits, and opponents of the measure are consoling themselves with the thought of vengeance at the ballot box, attempting to recall City Council members who supported the changes, an action which will further divide people. All this might have been prevented if council had slowed the juggernaut long enough to craft language that ensured the securing of one group of people's rights did not come at the expense of another's right to worship according to their conscience or their freedom of speech.

Would everyone have been happy? No, but we would have an ordinance all could live with. Now, with emotions running high, that task is even harder, if not impossible.

I cannot believe that Council members Elisa Chan and Carlton Soules would vote against equal rights for veterans. This is in a city that would blow away like dust if it were not for veterans and the military jobs provided. They should realize that some of their constituents are veterans! Let's not forget at the next election!

As a nation, our struggle with unhealthy habits and weight gain is pervasive. When I graduated from the San Antonio Police Academy 20 years ago, I hit the streets weighing 163 pounds. I was proud to wear my uniform. Then, I was assigned to the overnight shift and began eating frequently at fast-food joints. I stopped weighing myself after I reached 275 pounds. I just didn't want to know anymore. I became embarrassed to wear my uniform. In 2013, I was selected to be one of the 25 contestants in the H-E-B Slim Down Showdown. During the initial fit camp, I met the other participants, worked out and learned about nutrition.

I was petrified to leave fit camp, but after reuniting with my family and seeing their readiness to support me, I knew I was going to be OK: I stuck to the program — my diet was monitored by a dietitian and I had weekly meetings with a health coach. The weight melted off, and I became proud again.

I have lost over 65 pounds. I started a Facebook group where I motivate friends to live healthier and I have been asked to talk to police cadets to encourage them not to take the road I once did.

I also have my new family to help me. Even though the Slim Down Showdown is a competition, I made friends for life on the journey.

I encourage anyone struggling with his or her health to apply for the 2014 Slim Down Showdown. The application period is open now through Nov. 1.

If you know in your heart that you are ready, apply today at heb.com/slimdown.